A Taxonomic Odyssey: Evolution, Criticisms, and Future Directions of Driving Automation Taxonomies – The Case of SAE J3016

• This study explores various stakeholder perspectives on driving automation taxonomies. • Taxonomies shape design, regulation and public expectations, not just system labels. • Experts need multidimensional labels; users need a few clear driving modes. • Variations in taxonomy interpretation among stakeholders can hinder the deployment and regulation of automated vehicles. • Even with SAE J3016 critiques and new proposals, achieving a perfect taxonomy is difficult due to inherent limitations. While the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International’s classification system (J3016) has provided a framework for categorising sustained driving automation systems, concerns have arisen about its clarity and ability to incorporate emerging technologies . Therefore, this study explores how various stakeholders, including end users, vehicle manufacturers, and policymakers, use the driving automation taxonomy. The results show that driving automation taxonomy is communicated through media, incorporated into vehicle purchasing decisions for users, and utilised for external and internal communication by vehicle manufacturers and policymakers. The discussion highlights that utilising specialised terminology in automation enhances communication efficiency. However, there is also a discrepancy between the SAE J3016, which is today’s prevalent taxonomy, and their audience in terms of both (1) clarity provided by the taxonomy vs. understanding of the stakeholders and (2) topics addressed by the taxonomy vs. needs of the stakeholders. The study also highlights that, while SAE J3016 is being criticised, proposing a clearly better taxonomy is far from straightforward. However, we underscore the importance of revising and updating the current taxonomy to align with stakeholder needs and technological advancements. By enhancing the clarity and relevance of the driving automation taxonomy, stakeholders can make more informed decisions, fostering innovation and improving communication across the industry.